How exactly can chewing gum help reduce heartburn? The New York Times explains:

Chewing on a piece or two of gum, it seems, helps force fluids back into the stomach and flood the esophagus with alkaline saliva, neutralizing acids that cause the characteristic burning sensations.

The studies showed reductions in acid reflux from multiple causes, but the gum used in the tests was sugarless. We don't know if sugar actually makes a difference in treating heartburn, but it certainly does nothing good for your teeth. So next time you're concerned about a little acid reflux, pick up some sugar-free chewing gum and be prepared.